Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Investigational Studies
In recent years, new medications have been discovered that may be able to suppress seizures, some with fewer side effects
than existing drugs. We are able to offer patients therapy with these new drugs on an investigational basis. Patients are
selected for our studies based on their seizure types and response to, or inability to safely tolerate, conventional antiepileptic
drugs. Investigational drug studies at Jefferson have included research on: Topiramate, Tiagabine, Felbamate, Remacemide,
Vigabatrin and Zonisamide. Studes are under way for women with epilepsy and the effects the menstrual cycle has on their seizures.
Additionally, our Center has on staff neurologists who specialize in the specific needs of women with epilepsy. Jefferson
Investigators are also studying hormonal and gene therapies for epilepsy.
We are currently recruiting for the following studies:
Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Enrolling Participants in National Institutes of Health Sponsored Landmark Research
Study Seeking Better, Early Treatment for Epilepsy
(Published 8-19-2003) $30 million grant has been awarded to 19 centers for the national Early Randomized Surgical Epilepsy
Trial (ERSET)
Progesterone Therapy For Women With Epilepsy
Many women have found that their seizures appear to be linked to their menstrual cycle. To help further our understanding
of this, the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is taking part in a NIH funded research study looking at the relationship
between hormones and seizures. The research study is a 6-month double-blind placebo controlled study looking at the effects
of natural progesterone supplement in addition to current anti-epileptic medication.
If you a woman between the ages of 13 and 45 having at least two seizures a month, you may be eligible for this study. Women
who are currently taking antidepressants, birth control pills or who have irregular menstrual cycles are not eligible for
this study.
For more information about this study or the relationship between hormones and seizures, please contact Sevie Shuman, Research
Coordinator, at (215) 955-4668 or
Sevie.Shuman@mail.tju.edu
Other sites involved in this study include Beth Israel in Boston and Cornell in New York City.
Research Study for Pregnant Women with Epilepsy
Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs (A study to evaluate the effects on thinking and behavioral functions in
children of mother's taking antiepileptic medications during pregnancy)
Antiepileptic drugs are commonly used in women of childbearing age for epilepsy and other indications, but the effects on
a child's thinking, memory, language, problem-solving abilities and behavior as a result of exposure to these medications
during the mother's pregnancy are unclear. It is also unclear if the effects on the child are different for commonly used
antiepileptic medications. It is important to determine what effect these medications may have. The results of this project
may help physicians in the selection of treatment for epilepsy in pregnant females.
This is an initial 3-year research project sponsored by the National Institute of Health. At a later date, this project may
be extended for an additional 2 years. The Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center will participate in this project as one
of many sites throughout the United States. It is anticipated that 285 - 390 participants will be enrolled; there will be
approximately 10 patients enrolled at Jefferson.
The goals of this research are:
- to establish if antiepileptic drugs taken during pregnancy affect the child's thinking and behavioral development.
- to determine if the effects are different for different antiepileptic medications.
- to define the extent and nature of thinking and behavioral problems (such as memory difficulties and language problems) among
children with exposure to antiepileptic medications during the mother's pregnancy.
- to provide evidence of how this exposure could affect the child's development.
- to identify prenatal (before birth) and postnatal (after birth) factors which may change or effect antiepileptic medication
exposure to the child.
This research study is open to pregnant females taking medication for epilepsy. Individuals will receive payment for participation.
For more information about this study or the relationship between hormones and seizures, please contact Antonee Stern, Research
Coordinator, at (215) 955-4673 or
Antonee.Stern@mail.tju.edu
Genetic Influences on Human Epilepsy
Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine is taking part
in a National Institute of Health funded investigation entitled "Genetic Influences on Human Epilepsy". The research is designed
to identify gene (DNA) variations that may increase risk for epilepsy. It is anticipated that studying the genetic nature
of the disease will result in development of new methods of diagnosis and treatment. The research study has been in progress
two years and will continue for at least four more.
If you are a patient being treated for Generalized Epilepsy, Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, Childhood Absence Epilepsy or Temporal
Lobe Epilepsy your participation in this research study would be valuable. The study involves taking a small blood sample
(about three tablespoons from your arm) one time. Two of your close family members would be asked to participate in the same
way (mother, father, sister, brother, child) and any other family members willing to give a blood sample would be welcome.
Collection of blood samples would be arranged through the research coordinator.
For more information about this study or to participate please contact Terry Scattergood R.N., M.S.N., Research Coordinator
at 215-955-1222.
Other sites involved in the study include Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Children's Hospital of Cincinnati, and the
University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Epileptic Siezures
